Last updated on June 27th, 2024 at 06:54 pm
In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for senior citizens, President Droupadi Murmu announced that all citizens aged above 70 years will receive free medical treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This declaration was made during her address to the joint sitting of Parliament in New Delhi.
President Murmu emphasized the remarkable progress of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, officially known as the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which currently provides free health services to 55 crore beneficiaries. “Further, the Government is going to take yet another decision in this area. Now all the elderly above 70 years of age will also be covered and get the benefit of free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana,” she announced.
Expansion of Ayushman Bharat Yojana
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme globally, offers health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme benefits approximately 12 crore families across India. The recent inclusion of citizens over 70 years under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana underscores the government’s commitment to extending comprehensive healthcare to vulnerable populations.
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Objectives and Achievements
Launched in 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to the economically weaker sections of society. The scheme is a part of the broader Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which seeks to revolutionize healthcare delivery through digital health solutions. With the inclusion of senior citizens over 70 years, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana continues to expand its reach and impact.
In her address, President Murmu also highlighted the rapid establishment of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. These centers aim to provide affordable medicines to the public, further supporting the Ayushman Bharat Yojana’s goal of making healthcare accessible to all.
Ayushman Bharat Registration and Benefits
To avail of the benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, eligible citizens must complete the Ayushman Bharat registration process. This involves verifying their eligibility and obtaining the Ayushman Bharat health card, also known as the Ayushman health card. The cardholders can access free medical treatment at empaneled hospitals nationwide.
The Ayushman Bharat registration process is designed to be simple and accessible. Citizens can check their eligibility and complete the Ayushman card registration through the official Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal or visit designated registration centers.
Impact of the PMJAY Scheme
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, under the umbrella of the PMJAY scheme, has significantly impacted healthcare accessibility in India. By providing substantial health coverage and ensuring the availability of affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the scheme addresses the financial barriers that often prevent low-income families from seeking necessary medical treatment.
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Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the government plans to enhance the Ayushman Bharat Yojana’s scope further. Efforts are underway to increase the number of empaneled hospitals, streamline the Ayushman Bharat registration process, and promote awareness about the scheme’s benefits. Additionally, initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aim to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana reach every eligible citizen.
Conclusion
The inclusion of citizens over 70 years in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana marks a significant milestone in India’s healthcare landscape. By extending free medical treatment to senior citizens, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable. As the Ayushman Bharat Yojana continues to evolve and expand, it holds the promise of transforming healthcare delivery and improving the quality of life for millions of Indians.
For more information on Ayushman Bharat registration, Ayushman card registration, and the Ayushman Bharat health card, citizens are encouraged to visit the official Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal.